(AJNews) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Germany will not join an initiative of Western allies to recognize the Palestinian state at next month’s United Nations General Assembly.
Merz was speaking at a joint news conference on August 26 with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said last month that Canada planned to recognize the state of Palestine at the General Assembly (should certain conditions be met), following similar announcements by France and Britain.
Merz said, “The Canadian government and the Canadian Prime Minister are aware of the German federal government’s position with regard to the possible recognition of Palestine as a state. We will not support this initiative…We do not currently consider the conditions for state recognition to be met in any way.”
“We will not join this initiative. We don’t see the requirements met.”
Noah Shack, CEO, of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, is urging Canada to withdraw their participation in the initiative.
He stated, “The German Government is correct: recognizing Palestinian statehood right now would undermine efforts toward peace. It will not return the Israelis held hostage or bring an end to Hamas’ rule in Gaza, and it will do nothing to alleviate the humanitarian situation on the ground.
Instead, it risks rewarding terrorism and weakening the path to a lasting peace. That’s why we are calling on the Government of Canada to change course.”
Earlier this month, MP Anthony Housefather issued a statement on Canada’s position.
He stated, “Canada and Israel have been close friends since Israel’s creation. This relationship is strong and enduring, transcending whichever governments are in place in either country at any given time.
“I have always supported a two-state solution, and achieving one remains the objective of the Prime Minister and the Canadian government. Two peoples-Israelis and Palestinians-living side by side in security is the only path to long term peace in the Middle East. It is also the only way for Israel to remain both a Jewish and democratic state. I have been deeply disappointed by statements from Israeli government ministers rejecting a two-state solution and proposing annexation of the West Bank and Gaza, among other concerning positions.
“However, we cannot forget that Hamas began this conflict, slaughtering over 1,200 people, injuring many more, and committing atrocities on October 7, 2023. Eight Canadians-including Alex Look from my own riding-were murdered by Hamas. Alex died a hero, protecting others.
“Hamas bears the largest share of responsibility for a two-state solution being impossible to implement, given its rejection of the State of Israel’s right to exist and its founding charter, which calls for the murder of Jews worldwide.
“As such, I feel very strongly that, among other conditions, any recognition of a Palestinian state must be entirely contingent on Hamas laying down its arms, surrendering, and no longer being in power in Gaza. Recognition must also depend on the release of all living hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, as well as the return of the remains of those who were murdered.
“I also believe that recognition should be contingent on the future Palestinian state recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state in peace and security. President Abbas has a long history of incitement against Israel, and he must now publicly declare, in both English and Arabic, that he supports Israel’s right to exist. He must also take concrete steps to meet the predicates set out in our government’s statement. Palestine must be demilitarized, and free and fair elections must be held under international supervision. No terrorist group, including Hamas, should be allowed to participate.
“We have had direct conversations, and I know the Prime Minister shares my concerns. That is why the issues I have raised were included as predicates in the government’s statement. I believe any recognition must be conditional on these requirements being met, and I will continue to work with like-minded colleagues to ensure that this approach is pursued by the government.”
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